Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Description of chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by higher, than usual, blood pressure in the veins of the legs.

Causes of chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency can cause blood clots or swelling and inflammation of the veins (phlebitis). Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), can damage the valves in the veins. When the chronic venous insufficiency is the result of blood clots, This is called post-thrombotic syndrome. When chronic venous insufficiency occurs after phlebitis, it can be diagnosed as the syndrome postflebitichesky.

Other causes of chronic venous insufficiency include:

• The absence or weakness of valves in the leg veins (inherited at birth);
• Increased venous pressure in the legs for any reason;
• Phlebeurysm.

Risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency

Factors, that increase the likelihood of chronic venous insufficiency:

• Obesity;
• Lack of physical activity;
• Age (50 and older);
• Paul: female;
• The presence of family members with deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins;
• Smoking;
• Pregnancy;
• Chronic constipation;
• Regular seat or standing for a long period of time;
• Wearing restricts the movement of clothes, such as very tight belts or straps.

Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency

As blood accumulates in the legs, it puts pressure on the veins. Sometimes the blood leaks out into the tissues. This may discolor and even damage the skin and cause skin ulcers. Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency may include:

• Swelling of the legs;
• Pain in the legs, especially after a walk:
  • Pain;
  • Blunt pain;
  • Fatigue;
  • Muscle spasm;
• Red or brown skin on the feet;
• Varicose veins;
• Ulcers on the legs, especially around the inner side of the ankle;
• Strict, rough skin on your feet.

Diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. If the diagnosis is uncertain after inspection, or planned operations, your doctor may take pictures of structures of interest. For this purpose, applied:

• Duplex scanning (venous ultrasound / Doppler scan);
• Venogram.

Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency

If you have damaged valves, they usually can not be restored. Treatment focuses on maintaining the blood flow and preventing complications. Treatment includes the following:

Improving the flow

Your doctor may prescribe special elastic stockings, that compress the veins in the legs. They help to avoid congestion. You may also need to raise the legs above the heart while resting or sleeping. Maybe, We need to do this once a day.

Motion

Your doctor may advise you to go longer and do special exercises for the legs and feet. You should also avoid long periods of sitting and standing. If you are in a long journey, you need to get up and walk for a while every 30 minutes.

Skin care

Mineral baths help relieve redness. It may also be encouraged to use bandages or apply the cream with antibiotics, to prevent skin infections. Wearing compression stockings may also promote healing.

Sclerotherapy or ablation

Your doctor may perform sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting a special material into the affected veins, what causes them bonding and resorption. Blood flow is redirected through a functioning veins. Ablation – another procedure, which is used for the treatment of veins. Tiny electrodes are introduced into the affected vein. With electricity / heat damaged the walls of veins are destroyed, thereby blood flow therethrough is blocked.

When using both treatments nonfunctional vein over time dissolve.

Surgery for chronic venous insufficiency

Surgery is used for those few cases, are not amenable to conservative treatment. Type of operation will depend on the cause of the disease and test results. Some possibilities include:

• Restoring valves;
• Venoэkstraktsiya – removing the damaged veins;
• Bypass – bypassing the broken area of ​​the vein using artificial vessel. This allows you to redirect the blood flow past the damaged area.

Prevention of chronic venous insufficiency

To prevent chronic venous insufficiency, you need to take action, to reduce the risk factors:

• Maintain a healthy weight;
• Exercise regularly;
• If you smoke, to throw;
• Try not to stand or sit for long periods of time;
• Avoid wearing clothes restricting blood flow, such as tight belts or.